Solve for Tomorrow draws the young students together from each country and region to bring forth an innovative technological idea to solve today’s pressing issues. In Austria, the 2023 edition of the program came to a close, awarding three winning classes for their remarkable projects.

This year, Austria’s Solve for Tomorrow received participation from over 700 middle school students in the country. Over the course of 9 months, the students were tasked to develop various solutions that addressed the growing social disconnection among their communities. The solutions were then carefully evaluated by the members of the jury consisting of experts in education and business. Prizes to the winning projects in the categories of innovation, prototyping and teamwork. Let’s see what kind of inventions these students created innovation and teamwork.

Tolerance in times of turbulence

In the city of Sankt Pölten, located west of Austria’s capital Vienna, students from Dr. Theodor Körner II Middle School’s Class 3C developed a mobile app with the aim of fostering community cohesion. The app, named Religion4You, allows users of different religious backgrounds to engage in discussions about their beliefs, promoting understanding and tolerance. Additionally, the app includes an online store where profits are contributed to a local charity.

Marvin Peters, Director Mobile at Samsung Austria who juried the competition, claimed that the younger generation was essential to finding solutions for future problems. “We hope that the palpable enthusiasm of the students will help them to continue to pursue their inventive spirit for the development of digital technology solutions in the future,” he added.

Improving the community with innovation

The Best Prototype Prize went to Class 4D of Rosental Middle School in Eisenstadt. The students coordinated a special occasion called the “Together Day” to enhance social integration. More than 120 fellow students participated in the event, with activities like dancing, moving learning, and a library rally. This allowed the children to get to know each other better and promote social activities by the students.

Class 3B from Anton Krieger Gasse Middle School in Vienna was also acknowledged for Best Teamwork. The group not only showcased strong collaborative efforts but also aimed to strengthen community bonds through an entertaining project. They set up two escape rooms at their school, where students would work together to solve tricky puzzles and find their way out.

Maria Großbauer, a member of the Austrian Parliament who juried the final competition Solve for Tomorrow, recognized the program’s efforts to expand basic skills using technology. She claimed it aligned well with the Federal Government’s Digital Skills Initiative, and expressed excitement that the early exposure to such education would prepare the young students for the future work environment.